The player was transported away in an ambulance. © APA / TODD KIRKLAND

NFL players force cancellation after injury to a professional

NFL players from the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons have forced the cancellation of their preseason game after a fellow football player apparently sustained a serious injury.

August 09, 2025

From: dpa

Lions defender Morice Norris was treated on the field for about 20 minutes after a collision and eventually taken away by ambulance. Lions coach Dan Campbell said at a press conference afterward that Norris was breathing, speaking, and able to move. "They're doing further tests now," he said.

When the game was about to resume with the Lions leading 17-10 and 14:50 remaining in the final quarter, the Falcons did put the ball into play – but then the players on both teams simply stood still and let the clock run. A short time later, they gathered in a circle and appeared to be praying together. With 6:31 minutes left in the game, the game was finally officially called off.

Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons players gathered on the field during the intermission. © APA / TODD KIRKLAND

The approach had been agreed upon beforehand among the coaches, Lions coach Campbell reported after the game. He spoke highly of his colleague Raheem Morris, saying the Falcons coach was a very good guy. "We agreed that it didn't feel right to finish the game," Campbell said.

Many stars from both teams, including Amon-Ra St. Brown for the Lions, did not play in the preseason game. The NFL season begins in September.